Four owl print outer border strips were cut widthwise and two were cut lengthwise so the owl print runs in the same direction around the quilt. If you’re not using a directional fabric, cut seven 6x42" strips and piece them to make four 6x55-1⁄2" outer border strips.

3. Referring to Diagram 3, use a pencil to mark a diagonal line on wrong side of a light tan print 2-1⁄2x3-1⁄2" rectangle. Position marked rectangle at an angle on one end of a solid gray-brown 2-1⁄2x9-1⁄2" strip as shown. Sew on drawn line. Trim excess fabric, leaving 1⁄4" seam allowance. Press attached triangle open to make a beak unit. The unit should be 2-1⁄2x9-1⁄2" including seam allowances.

4. Reversing angle of line and placement of light tan print rectangle, repeat Step 3 to make a reversed beak unit (Diagram 4).

6. Sew together pieces in each vertical row. Press seams in one direction, alternating direction with each row. Join rows to make wing segment; press seams in one direction. The wing segment should be 34-1⁄2x12-1⁄2" including seam allowances.

8. Sew together strips in center of bottom row; press seam in one direction.

9. Join pieces in each horizontal row. Press seams in one direction, alternating direction with each row. Sew together rows to make base segment; press seams in one direction. The base segment should be 34-1⁄2×8-1⁄2" including seam allowances.

Finish Quilt

1. Layer quilt top, batting, and backing; baste.

2. Quilt as desired. For the machine quilting on this quilt, Vicki Hoth of Handi Quilter says they chose contrasting straight lines and curves, repeating variations of the chevron motif for a cohesive design. The chevron appears in the owl belly and beak and in the outer border. Curvy designs, including the overall background feathers, side-by-side ovals around the owl belly, and spirals in the owl eyes, soften the geometric angles created by the chevrons (Quilting Diagram).